COUPLING A POWER MODULE TO A POWER DISTRIBUTION RACK
Examples herein disclose a power system including a power distribution unit (PDU) rack and a power module. The PDU rack is positioned in vertically in a server rack to distribute power to the power module. The power module is positioned horizontally in a server rack and includes multiple connectors. The power module is coupled perpendicularly to the PDU rack and receives power cables for delivering power to multiple servers in the server rack.
A server rack, also referred to as a rack-mounted server, is a data center dedicated to multiple servers in a standardized frame or enclosure. The frame, also known as a rack, contains multiple mounting slots or bays, each designed to hold one of the multiple servers.
In the accompanying drawings, like numerals refer to like components or blocks. The following detailed description references the drawings, wherein:
A rack-mounted server contains multiple slots, each designed to hold a server stacked above one another. The rack-mounted server includes a power distribution unit (PDU) rack or strip which provides a power connection to each of the servers. As such, the PDU rack or main distribution unit (MDU) is comprised of vertical strips with a number of outlets to provide power to the servers. However, the outlets are limited in quantity and the cable routing from each server to each respective outlet has design challenges. For example, there is a tight tolerance space between each server and the PDU strip. This tight tolerance space makes it difficult to route the cable from each server to each power outlet on the PDU strip. Additionally, the cables may experience additional stresses, such as an increased bend radius to reach the PDU strip.
To address these issues, examples disclose a power system installed in a server rack which increases a number of outlets and eases cabling issues. The power system includes a PDU rack positioned vertically in a server rack and a power module. The power module includes a number of power connectors (e.g., outlets) which are coupled to the PDU rack such that the power module is coupled perpendicularly to the PDU rack. The power connectors on the power module receive power cables for delivering power to the servers. Including the power module with the power connectors increases a number of power outlets available within the server rack. Additionally, coupling the power module perpendicularly to the PDU rack, creates a “rung” that allows easier access for power cables to couple to each power outlet. Further increasing the number of power outlets, provides a customization for a data center to be designed for a customer's needs.
In another example, the power system includes multiple power modules which are spaced at every other outlet on the PDU rack or strip. In this example, spacing the power modules to every other outlet on the PDU rack provides adequate space between the tiered power connectors. Providing adequate space, allows the power cables to easily access the power connectors without additional design implementations.
In a further example, each of the power connectors on the power module rotates at least 45 degrees. Rotating each of the power connectors at least 45 degrees decreases a bend radius on the power cables, thus reducing the stressors on cable routing. Additionally, rotating the power connectors eases the use of installing power cables from each of the servers.
In
The power connectors 106 are devices which permit an electrical current through from the power module 102 to servers in the server rack. As such, each power connector 106 serves as receptacle to connect the server by way of a power cable to the PDU rack 104. Since the power module 102 includes multiple connectors 106, upon the coupling of the power module 102 to one of the outlets 112 increases the number of power connectors within the server rack. Increasing the number of power connectors allows the server rack to power additional resources and/or servers. In another implementation, each of the power connectors 106 rotate at least 45 degrees for flexibility to couple power cables to the power connectors 106. These implementations are discussed in detail in later figures. Implementations of the power connectors 106 include electrical outlets, receptacles, sockets, plugs, jackets, or other type of device capable to connecting the servers to the PDU rack 104 for power distribution.
The inlet 108 is a device for connecting the power module 102 directly to the PDU rack 104. Upon the coupling of the inlet 108 to one of the outlets 112 on the PDU rack 104, an electrical connection is established between the power module 102 and PDU rack 104. The electrical connection allows the flow of electrons and hence power distribution from the PDU rack 104 to the power module 102. Upon a coupling of a server to the power module 102 by way of power cable, the power is distributed to the server. In an implementation, the inlet 108 couples to one of the outlets 112 on the PDU rack that supports plug and play capabilities. Plug and play capabilities allow the power module 102 to couple to the respective outlet 112 on the PDU rack without regard to a specific order or arrangement of the coupling. In this implementation, the power module 102 is movable to other outlets 112 on the PDU rack 104 without taking additional action. Although the inlet 108 in
The enclosure 110 is a structure used to encase power cables and other components internal to the power module 102. The enclosure 110 includes multiple walls and ends to construct the infrastructure for encasing the power module 102. One of the ends of the enclosure 110 supports the inlet 108 for coupling to the PDU rack 104. The other end (opposite to the end coupled to the PDU rack 104) supports the control module. The enclosure 110 is composed of a safety material to ground extraneous power and to prevent noise distribution through the power module 102. As such, the enclosure 110 is composed of various materials including metal, plastic, polyurethane, or other type of power and noise isolating material.
In
The PDU rack 104 is a vertical power conduit which distributes power to the power module 102 upon the coupling of the inlet 108 to the outlet 112. The PDU rack 104 is the main distribution unit fitted with multiple outlets for distributing electrical power to the servers and other networking equipment located in the server rack. Accordingly, the PDU rack 104 includes a power input 114 in which to receive power for distribution through outlets 112. The PDU rack 104 includes a framework including the walls, rails, bars, or other type of infrastructure for holding the power cables used to distribute the electrical power from the power input 114 to the outlets 112. The height of the PDU rack 104 varies to accommodate the number of outlets 112. For example, a greater number of outlets 112 increases the height of the PDU rack 104
The outlets 112 are receptacle sockets that connect to the power modules such that the power from the PDU rack 104 is distributed to the power modules. In one implementation, each outlet 112 consists of wires to connect to the power module 102 while another implementation of each outlet 112 includes an electrical socket to connect to the power module 102. The outlets 112 are installed on at least one side or wall of the PDU rack 104 to provide multiple connections to various power modules. Each installed power module creates a projection tier level, that include sufficient space (e.g., at least one outlet) between tiers. The sufficient space provides enough clearance and thus less stress on the power cables from the servers. In a further implementation, multiple power modules are installed or spaced at every other outlet on the PDU rack 104. In this implementation, an empty or uncoupled outlet is between two power modules. Leaving an uncoupled outlet provides enough clearance of installation of the power cables from the servers into the power connectors 106 on the power module 102. This implementation is discussed in detail in the next figure. Although the PDU rack 104 illustrates a specific number of outlets 112, implementations should not be limited as this was done for illustration purposes.
In
In
The server rack 326, also referred to as rack-mounted server, is the framework including multiple slots or bays, each intended to hold server 328. The server rack 326 is comprised of rails, walls, mounts, bars, infrastructure, and other supporting structure designed to hold multiple servers. As illustrated in
The server 328 is a networking device that manages networking resources, including data communications. Each server 328 includes a respective power cable (not illustrated) which is used to connect to the power connectors 106 on the power module 102. Accessing the power connectors 106 on each tiered rung on the power module 102, provides easier access for distributing power rather than routing power cables back to the PDU rack 104. As discussed in regards to the server rack 326, each server 326 includes a chassis which takes up much space, thus creating tight tolerances for routing the power cables. As such, each power module 102 provides flexible access and prevents stress on the bend radius of the power cables.
In
Referring now to
At operation 502, the method of manufacture is initiated though an arrangement of the PDU rack within the server rack. The PDU rack is a device fitted with multiple outlets or outputs designed to distribute electrical power. In this regard, the PDU rack includes an input to receive electrical power for distribution. The PDU rack distributes electrical power to the servers within the server rack via the multiple power modules. The PDU rack is arranged in the vertical position such that a side wall of multiple outlets face inward toward the server rack. The vertical position is a direction of top to bottom of the server rack, so both ends of the PDU rack align with the top and bottom of the server. Arranging the PDU rack in the vertical position aligns the multiple outlets for easy access to couple to the power modules. Coupling the power modules to the PDU rack, server power cables may easily access the power modules for power distribution.
At operation 504, the power modules are coupled perpendicularly to the PDU rack. Coupling each power module perpendicularly to the PDU rack, means each power module is arranged horizontally within the server rack. The horizontal direction is side to side (e.g., left to right and vice versa), so both ends of each power module align side to side of the server rack. Coupling each power module to the PDU rack means an inlet on the power module is inserted or plugged into the outlet on the PDU rack. Inserting or plugging the outlet into the PDU rack ensures an electrical connection between the power module and PDU rack. Ensuring the electrical connection allows for the power to flow from the PDU rack to each coupled power module for power distribution. Based on the coupling of the power modules the PDU rack, the power modules are parallel to one another. For example, each power module is parallel to the other power modules. Each power module includes multiple power connector so the coupling of each power module to the PDU rack increases a number of the power connectors available within the server rack.
At operation 506 upon the coupling of the power modules to the PDU rack, each of the power modules may be spaced at every other outlet on the PDU rack. In this regard, an outlet on the PDU rack t is left uncoupled between two power modules. Spacing the power modules to every other outlet on the PDU, allows for adequate space between two power modules. Allowing for adequate space, allows the power cables from the servers to route to the power modules. In one implementation, operation 506 may occur simultaneously to operation 504, so that upon one power module being coupled to the PDU rack, a subsequent power module is coupled and spaced so approximately one outlet is between both power modules.
At operation 602, the control module is positioned on an end of the power module. The control module is a device installed in the power module which manages and controls the power being delivered through the power connectors to the servers. As such, the control module includes, by way of example, a circuit breaker to regulate power distribution to the servers within the server rack, a visual signal indicating an amount of power distributed to the multiple servers, and a controller to manage the amount of power being distributed. The control module is positioned on the end of the power module which is opposite to the end for coupling to the PDU rack. Installing and positioning to the control module within the power module, provides an intelligence aspect to the power module for power monitoring, etc.
At operation 604, the PDU rack is arranged in the vertical position within the server rack. Arranging the PDU rack in the vertical position means aligning each end of the PDU rack to align with the top and bottom of the server rack. Operation 604 may be similar in functionality to operation 502 as in
At operation 606, the multiple power modules are coupled perpendicularly to the PDU rack. Each of the power module is coupled such that the power modules are horizontal to each other and perpendicular to the PDU rack. Each of the power modules includes multiple power connectors, so upon coupling each power module, increases the number of power connectors. This also creates horizontal tiers of power connectors. In one implementation, coupling the power modules to the PDU rack includes plugging each of the power modules into an outlet of the PDU rack. In a further implementation, the power modules spaced to every other outlet on the PDU rack. Operation 606 may be similar in functionality to operation 504 as in
At operation 608, each of the power modules are plugged into the respective outlet on the PDU rack. Each of the power modules includes an inlet used to couple to one of the outlets on the PDU rack. In this implementation, each power module supports plug and play capabilities. Plug and play capabilities allow the power modules to couple to the PDU rack without regard to a specific order or arrangement of the coupling. In this manner, upon the plugging each power module into the PDU rack allows power distribution to the power modules from the PDU rack without additional action. Additionally, plugging the power module into one of the outlets of the PDU rack provides the ability that one power module may be replaced by another power module in the PDU rack without affecting the operation of the power system.
At operation 610, the power modules are spaced at every other outlet on the PDU rack. Spacing the power modules at every other outlet, the infrastructure of the power modules are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the PDU rack. Operation 610 may be similar in functionality to operation 506 as in
At operation 612, the power connectors, located on at least one of the power modules, rotate at least 45 degrees. Rotating the power connectors at least 45 degrees decreases a bend radius of the power cables which connect to the power module. In one implementation, each of the power connectors located on the power module each rotate. In another implementation, the power module rotates which in turn rotates the power connectors.
Although certain embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be greatly appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternate and/or equivalent embodiments or implementations calculated to achieve the same purposes may be substituted for the embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Those with skill in the art will readily appreciate that embodiments may be implemented in a variety of ways. This application is intended to cover adaptions or variations of the embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that embodiments be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. A power system in a server rack comprising:
- a power distribution unit (PDU) rack positioned vertically in the server rack, the PDU rack to: distribute power to a power module; and
- the power module positioned horizontally in the server rack, the power module including multiple power connectors to: couple perpendicularly to the PDU rack; and receive power cables for delivering power to multiple servers in the server rack.
2. The power system of claim 1 comprising:
- multiple power modules, each power module coupled perpendicularly to the PDU rack, wherein each of the multiple power modules are spaced at every other outlet on the PDU rack.
3. The power system of claim 1 wherein upon the power module coupling perpendicularly to the PDU rack increases a number of power connectors within the server rack.
4. The power system of claim 1 wherein the power module comprises:
- a control module, positioned on an end opposite to the PDU rack, to manage the delivered power to the multiple servers in the server rack.
5. The power system of claim 4 wherein the control modules comprises:
- a circuit breaker to regulate power to the multiple servers; and
- a visual indication to indicate an amount of power provided to the multiple servers.
6. The power system of claim 5 comprising:
- the multiple power connectors, coupled to the power module, to provide power to each of the multiple servers in the server rack.
7. The power system of claim 1 wherein the power module including the multiple power connectors, wherein each of the multiple power connectors rotate at least 45 degrees.
8. A method comprising:
- arranging a power distribution unit (PDU) rack in a vertical position within a server rack;
- coupling multiple power modules perpendicularly to the PDU rack, wherein each of the multiple power modules includes multiple power connectors; and
- spacing the multiple power modules at every other outlet on the PDU rack, wherein the multiple power modules are parallel to one another and perpendicular to the PDU rack.
9. The method of claim 8 comprising:
- coupling power cables from multiple servers in the server rack to the multiple power connectors located on each power module.
10. The method of claim 8 comprising:
- rotating the multiple power modules such that the multiple power connectors located on each power module rotate at least 45 degrees.
11. The method of claim 8 wherein coupling multiple power modules perpendicularly to the PDU rack comprises:
- plugging the multiple power modules into multiple outlets on the PDU rack, wherein each power module supports plug and play capability with the outlet.
12. The method of claim 8 comprising:
- positioning a control module on the power module, the position of the control module is on an end of the power module opposite to the PDU rack.
13. A power module comprising:
- an inlet to couple to an outlet on a power distribution unit (PDU) rack positioned vertically in a server rack, wherein the inlet couples to the outlet such that the power module is perpendicular to the PDU rack, and wherein coupling the inlet to the outlet of the PDU rack increases a number of power connectors within the server rack; and
- multiple power connectors located on the power module to receive multiple power cables from multiple servers in the server rack.
14. The power module of claim 13 comprising:
- a control module, positioned on an end opposite to the inlet, the control module comprising: a circuit breaker to regulate an amount of power to the multiple servers; a visual indication to indicate the amount of power provided to the multiple servers; and a controller to manager the amount of power provided to the multiple servers.
15. The power module of claim 13 wherein the multiple power connectors rotate at least 45 degrees.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 29, 2016
Publication Date: Jan 31, 2019
Patent Grant number: 10660231
Inventor: John FRANZ (Houston, TX)
Application Number: 16/072,156